"Chewing The Cud" With Bryan Brown (aka Gramps)

12 comments Mar 28, 2023
There's probably a bunch of you out there who don't know that Bryan Brown is my dad. There's also probably a bunch of you out there who don't know who Bryan Brown is. Well, first and foremost, he's my dad, but to some, he's a bloody Aussie icon. I won't waste your time with his bio, (he's been in a lot of movies), I'll just get to the point. I texted dad 10 questions and he texted me back his answers. It's called Chewing The Cud. (Because we're a food shop - get it?).
Here it goes...
1. My memory for as long as I can remember is you running every day and doing weights in your gym. The only time you had off exercise was when we were at the farm. When did exercise become important to you?

BB: Sport was always a big part of my youth. However at around the age of 30 I woke one Sunday morning with a dreadful hangover, turned on the tele to see 8000 people about to run from Sydney to Bondi. Were they mad? I could hardly get out of bed. The next day I started running because I knew if I didn’t the hangovers would win. I have exercised ever since almost every day.

2. What is your exercise routine now and how has it changed? 

BB: My exercise now is to start the morning with a 20 minute pilates session, followed by 5 minutes of weights and then a walk. 

My walk involves coffee and talking to anyone who’ll listen. I discovered Pilates about 7 years ago. I’m sure it’s the reason I’m still able to surf.

3. What's your definition of "healthy"?

BB: ’Healthy’ to me really involves the physical. I like to feel light and agile.

4. Have there been any significant health related events or scares that have happened to you that have changed the way you approach life? 

BB: Any significant health related events always remind me how much I enjoy living. Gonna miss this place.

5. You're no spring chicken. But your spirit is still so young and you have an amazingly positive outlook - why do you think that is?

BB: Yep guess I do have a positive outlook. That has to have come from Molly Brown who never whinged in her life yet had to work her arse off as a single parent raising two very young children. I was blessed with her as my mum.

6: Everyone has set backs, and they provide us with valuable lessons. Can you recall a time when you were really up against it, and what insight did that provide?

BB: I've always looked at setbacks as the struggle I needed to have. That was where I’d learn something. Being a salesman as a young man taught me knock backs just got me closer to the sale.

7. Do you live by any particular motto?

BB: 'Do unto others as you’d  have them do unto you’ is about as good a motto as I’ve ever heard. Not always easy.

8: What are some things you're most proud of in life?

BB: Proud is a funny word. I look around and couldn’t imagine my life without my family. I did get ‘best and fairest rugby league player’ in the St George District under 12 comp way back. Made me feel pretty good.

9. Let's say you're about to eat your last meal on earth, what is it?

BB: Last meal on earth? Wow. Steak and chips followed by vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce.

10. If you could share that meal with anyone, dead or alive, who would you share it with? (And yes it can be more than one person, but you'd all get less to eat)

BB: Would love to see my mum again to say thanks properly.   


12 comments


  • Julie (Nee Hargreaves) July 10, 2024 at 4:14 pm

    So enjoyed Bryan’s answers. I remember Bryan as a down to earth man when my brother, John Hargreaves, was alive and both acting in films. So happy for you and your family.


  • Colin Fassnidge May 10, 2023 at 2:50 pm

    Great concept, great meat !
    We should all be eating our meat like this


  • Tania Kerr April 4, 2023 at 11:13 am

    Def an Aussie icon….. so many diverse and wonderful roles but I gotta say my fave was Along Came Polly ( Leland) it’s so funny and so action man Aussie.


  • Denise April 4, 2023 at 11:13 am

    No crap with your dad Matilda…. a real man caring loving dad and deserves the love of grandchildren it’s a great part of life. I hope he gets to enjoy vanilla ice cream 🍨 with chocolate 🍫 sauce and see his mum again. Warmest wishes


  • Ally April 4, 2023 at 11:13 am

    Loved the Q&A. What a down to earth, kind hearted chap. Molly did a great job! Lovely family too. Looking forward to more ‘Chewing the Cud!’ With BB! Xxx


Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.